You're in the shower and you suddenly discover a lump you've never noticed before. When that happens it's natural to panic and leap to the worst case scenario.

However, the good news is that most new lumps are harmless and the underlying problem is usually easily remedied, although lumps should be seen by a doctor. 'I always say to patients who present with lumps – the vast majority of which are benign – never be embarrassed to ask.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

It takes seconds to check but a lifetime to regret!' says Dr Graham Archard of the Royal College of General Practitioners. So how can you tell whether a lump is likely to be dangerous?

Firstly, getting to know how your body normally looks and feels is vital so anything unusual can quickly be spotted and checked.

With the help of Dr Archard, we've compiled five basic rules every woman should know:

Painful lumps are less likely to be dangerous than painless ones.

Soft lumps are less likely to be dangerous than hard ones.

Lumps that move freely are less likely to be dangerous than ones that don't.

Smooth lumps are less likely to be dangerous than rough ones.

Lumps that grow very fast over a few days or weeks are unlikely to be dangerous.

Of course, remember: these are general guidelines that are true in most, but not all, cases. The message should be: if you're worried see your doctor.

Small, moveable lump

How does it look and feel? Rubbery and painless, although may sometimes feel tender.

Likely cause? A fibroadenoma or 'breast mouse', which is the result of excess growth of glands and connective tissue. Fibroadenomas are most common in younger women (in their 20s and 30s) but can occur at any age.

How is it treated? Fibroadenomas don't increase the risk of breast cancer but any kind of lump should be seen by your doctor, who will refer you to a breast clinic for investigations.

Pain in one or both breasts

How does it look and feel? May be an aching or a burning, pricking or stabbing pain that can spread to the armpit and beyond.

Likely cause? Cyclical or non-cyclical breast pain. Cyclical breast pain is common in the week before your period. Non-cyclical breast pain can occur at any time. It may be caused by problems with surrounding muscles/joints or may have no apparent cause.

How is it treated? Although breast pain is rarely a symptom of anything serious, it's important to check it out with a doctor. Dietary changes and treatment with evening primrose oil may help relieve breast pain in some women.

Lumpy breasts, although it may be hard to isolate a specific lump

How does it look and feel? Breasts may feel lumpier, heavier and fuller in the run-up to your period and may be uncomfortable or painful.

Likely cause? Diffuse nodularity – lumpy breasts – which is very common before the menopause.

How is it treated? Lumpy breasts are normal but it's important to know what looks and feels normal for you so that you can spot any unusual changes.

A grape-shaped lump that appears suddenly, most often found in the upper part of the breast

How does it look and feel? The lump feels soft and smooth, may be tender and mobile and may become larger and feel sore before your period

Likely cause? A cyst – a fluid-filled sac under the skin, which is most common among women from their 30s to menopause. Cysts near the surface tend to feel soft, while deeper cysts feel like hard lumps.

How is it treated? It's important to see your doctor immediately to check any lump. Cysts are often left untreated, but the fluid may be removed using a fine needle and syringe.

Painless, fixed, hard, irregular lump

How does it look and feel? Usually painless.

Likely cause? Could possibly be a cancerous lump, although it may be another benign condition caused by extra growth of tissue within the breast nodules.

How is it treated? Nine out of 10 breast lumps are benign. See your doctor immediately and you will be referred to a breast clinic for further investigation.

Changes to the feel or appearance of your breast(s)

How does it look and feel? Skin thickening or dimpling, a change in the size or appearance of your breasts, any nipple discharge or change in position of nipple.

Likely cause? Although there may be other explanations, these could all be signs of breast cancer so they must be checked out.

How is it treated? See your doctor immediately for further investigation.

A small lump under the areola (the darker tissue surrounding the nipple) in one or both breasts

How does it look and feel? There may be a discharge of clear, sticky or bloodstained fluid. It may be painful.

Likely cause? An intraductal papilloma – a wart-like lump that develops in the duct behind the areola.

How is it treated? Although this doesn't increase the risk of breast cancer, see your doctor immediately for referral to a breast clinic. In most cases no treatment is required but sometimes surgery may be required to remove affected ducts.

There are two types of liver cancer, primary and secondary. Primary begins in the liver whereas secondary is caused by the spread of cancer...
Reviewed by
David Maxton
and Dr Jeff Butterworth, Gastroenterologist

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

Getting healthy just got a whole lot easier

Don't miss out on the latest healthy living news and inspiration direct to your inbox.

Enter your email address:

this is a test error

We will also let you know about discounts and great offers from us, tick this box if you'd rather not know about these.
Hearst Partners would like to let you know about some of their fantastic discounts, special offers, and promotions. We promise you wont be bombarded. Tick here if you would like to receive these.